Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said in a statement today that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to Abdul Aziz’s appointment under Clause (1) Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.

His appointment is until he reaches the age of 66 as provided for under Clause (3) Article 114 of the Constitution.

Abdul Aziz, who was born in Sabak Bernam, Selangor on 24 Jan 1950, retired as Home Ministry secretary-general on 24 Jan 2006 but was reappointed to the post on a contract basis.

He will be replacing current EC chairperson Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman whose service will end as he will be 66 on 30 Dec.

On behalf of the government, Mohd Sidek thanked Abdul Rashid for his excellent service as EC chairperson for the past eight years.

Abdul Aziz’s appointment was welcomed by Pakatan Rakyat.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the opposition coalition had been hoping for someone neutral to lead the commission.

“We know him (Abdul Aziz) as a good and credible administrator but we also know that the EC has been badly criticised and its neutrality and transparency are being questioned.

“We hope he will be fair and neutral in discharging his duties as the EC chairperson. We look forward to hearing his statement and action plans before making further comments,” he told a news conference at his office at the parliament house. — Bernama